Texas Railroad Commissioner Wayne Christian addresses energy summit

Texas Railroad Commissioner Wayne Christian on Thursday spoke at the Uintah Basin Energy Summit in Vernal, Utah on Texas' regulatory leadership of the oil and gas industry and America's path to energy security.

"Every state faces their own challenges when developing natural resources," Christian said. "It is important for states to communicate and work together to ensure the United States continues to expand energy production, and the jobs and economic growth that comes with it."

He said the Uintah Basin Energy Summit is an important annual conference where local, national, and international energy companies, support services, and communities come together to discuss the national energy outlook and explore energy issues affecting the Uintah Basin.

"Many believe the United States will surpass Saudi Arabia and Russia as the largest producer of oil and natural gas in the world in the next five years," Christian said.

“To ensure we reach this level of energy security, it is essential for states like Texas and Utah to maintain consistent and predictable regulatory climates that protect the public from bad actors without burdening industry with frivolous costs and requirements, he said.

Christian, from Center, was elected as Texas' 50th Texas Railroad Commissioner in November 2016. Prior to his time at the commission, Christian served seven sessions in the Texas House of Representatives representing his East Texas district, accumulating a record of standing for free markets and against burdensome regulations, he said.